Election 2024 poll: ANC support has dropped significantly

According to a new opinion poll, support for South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC) is decreasing by the day.

This is in part due to the rise in support for the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party backed by former President Jacob Zuma.

The poll showed that the MK party could in fact become the country’s third-biggest after South Africans head to cast their votes on Wednesday, 29 May.

The day has been declared a public holiday in South Africa.

MK PARTY CAN EXPECT 13% OF THE VOTE – POLL

The latest data shows that the ANC, which has ruled South Africa since the end of apartheid, may get just 37% of all votes.

In the most recent election in 2019, the ANC won 57.5% of the vote.

That figure was their lowest since taking power in 1994.

The MK party can expect around 13% of the vote, the Social Research Foundation (SRF) said in comments sent to Bloomberg on Wednesday, citing a poll it carried out this month.

Such an outcome may mean that the ANC has to form a coalition with one of their larger rivals to retain control and have to make concessions on policies and appointments.

The ruling party may also force President Cyril Ramaphosa from office before the end of his term – a prospect that has caused concern among investors.

The rand fell against the dollar on news of the poll findings and is currently trading at the time of publishing at R18.79/$.

Meanwhile, the SRF poll of 1 835 registered voters across the country also found that the main opposition Democratic Alliance would win 25% of the vote, the Economic Freedom Fighters 11% and the Inkatha Freedom Party 5%.

The Freedom Front Plus and Action South Africa would both get 2%.

A South African court on Tuesday ruled that former president Jacob Zuma can stand in looming general elections, overturning a decision by electoral authorities to bar him over a contempt conviction.

In a surprise verdict, the electoral court ruled in favour of the 81-year-old.

Jacob Zuma was sentenced to 15 months in jail in June 2021 after refusing to testify to a panel probing financial corruption and cronyism during his presidency.

WHAT PERCENTAGE OF THE VOTES WILL THE ANC END UP WITH?

Let us know by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1

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